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Did You Know?

Worldwide, a woman is battered by an intimate partner every 15 seconds. That’s approximately 5,760 battered women every single day.

1 out of every 4 women will experience some form of domestic violence in her lifetime.

Women and girls are more likely to be killed by male partners than any other class of individuals.

Police in Delaware respond to over 75 domestic violence calls each day.

The cost of domestic violence to the US economy is more than $8.3 billion. This cost includes medical care, mental health services, and lost productivity.

Approximately 8.8 million children witness domestic violence every year. Of men who abuse women, 40-60% abuse children as well.

The prevalence of domestic violence among Gay and Lesbian couples is approximately 25 - 33%.

Each year, an estimated 3.3 million children are exposed to violence by family members against their mothers or female caretakers.

During the six months following an episode of domestic violence, 32% of battered women are victimized again. Short term (6-12 week) psycho-educational batterer-intervention programs helped some batterers stop immediate physical violence but were inadequate in stopping abuse over time.

Obstacles faced by battered immigrant women include: a distrust of the legal system arising from their experiences with the system in their native countries; cultural and language barriers; and fear of deportation.

15 - 50% of abused women report interference from their partner with education, training or work.

Abused (past or current) welfare recipients experience higher levels of health or mental health problems such as a physical disability, or serious or acute depression.

Immigrant women may suffer higher rates of battering than U.S. citizens because they come from cultures which accept domestic violence.

A battered woman who is not a legal resident, or whose immigration status depends on her partner, is isolated by cultural dynamics which may prevent her from leaving her husband or seeking assistance from the legal system.

Many battered Gays or Lesbians fight back to defend themselves - it is a myth that same-sex battering is mutual.

Seven states define domestic violence in a way that excludes same-sex victims; 21 states have sodomy laws that may require same-sex victims to confess to a crime in order to prove they are in a domestic relationship.

The chance of being victimized by an intimate partner is 10 times greater for a woman than a man.

Women are seven to 14 times more likely than men to report suffering severe assaults from an intimate partner.

26% of pregnant teens reported being physically abused by their boyfriends. About half of them said the battering began or intensified after he learned of her pregnancy.

Approximately 50% of female victims of domestic violence live in households with children under age 12.

Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime.

Events

Regular DCADV Events

Advocates’ Retreat (Held Annually - Spring/Summer)

The Annual Advocates Retreat is the signature training event for domestic violence advocates in Delaware. The Retreat is typically held on the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach in late spring. Although our core audiences are our members and other advocates, DCADV also seeks out topics of interest to all of our community partners and supporters. This two day event features the high quality training you would expect from a state-wide conference while leaving evenings open to enjoy the waves, sand, and attractions. DCADV strives each year to host national and regional speakers as well as those in Delaware at the forefront of the domestic violence movement. Read more about the Annual Advocates’ Retreat.

Member Recognition Event (Held Annually - Summer)

DCADV’s Supporting Members gather at this free, fun, annual event to network and socialize with others who share a commitment to DCADV’s philosophy and mission to eliminate domestic violence. Learn more about becoming a Supporting Member.

The Purple Ribbon Event (Held Annually - October)

This annual public awareness cocktail party event takes place during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Members from the community, survivors, service providers, advocates, and friends are welcome to hear from a keynote speaker and help us honor Vision of Peace, Spirit of Advocacy, and Corporate Citizenship awardees. Read about this year's Purple Ribbon Event.

Annual Meeting (Held Annually - December)

DCADV’s Board, Members, and Staff gather to review the past year’s accomplishments and select new Board members for the coming year.

Partner Events

Domestic Violence Prevention Forum (Annual)

The Christiana Care Health System, Women’s Health, Domestic Violence Prevention Forum focuses on educating the community about the various aspects of domestic violence, as well as the resources available. This event has included presentations by performing artists and keynote speakers.

Crime Victim’s Tribute (Annual)

The State of Delaware joins the nation in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The Delaware Victims’ Rights Task Force honors the lives changed forever by crime with a Victim and Survivor Tribute and Candle Lighting Ceremony. The ceremony is a moving tribute to those who have died and to those who have survived the crisis of crime, and expresses hope for a less violent future for everyone.

The tribute is open to the public and all citizens are invited to attend. Exhibits include the Memorial Wall displaying letters, poems, and artwork submitted by victims, survivors, family members, and friends, and the Silent Witness Display. Resource tables are available with information regarding victims’ rights and services. Read more on the Delaware Victims’ Rights Task Force website.